The Kernos Centre, in Friars Street, responds to an ever-increasing need for counselling services in the town and aims to fill the gaps in statutory provision.
However demand is so great that some youngsters currently have to wait up to six months to see a counsellor.
The charity recently submitted an application to the Children & Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing Fund, which was developed by West Suffolk and Ipswich and East clinical commissioning groups along with Suffolk County Council. It is managed by the Suffolk Community Foundation.
The Kernos Centre’s bid for £10,000, which was supported by South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge, was successful and will pay for more than 500 counselling sessions.
According to Chris Boatwright, clinical director of the Kernos Centre, counselling provides a space where young people can process difficult life situations, build resourcefulness and make changes in their lives.
She said: “Early intervention is the key to our work in preventing psychological problems which can affect the life chances of young people.
“But we currently have so many young people waiting for help; we were getting into a position where we thought we would have to close our referrals list.
“This money will make a huge difference and will stop young people from having to wait for up to six months.
“We will be able to work more quickly with them because we now have the funds to do so.”
Mrs Boatwright thanked the local MP, who said he was “delighted” to hear the news that the Kernos Centre had been successful in applying for a grant to support its valuable work assisting young people with mental health and other challenges.
Mr Cartlidge, who following a recent visit to the centre described it as a “superb local resource”, added: “I happen to know that the competition for funding was fierce so it is a real credit to the team at Kernos and testament to the strength of their bid.
“I was only to happy to add my personal support, having seen at first hand the work they are doing, and I wish them well.”
Published in the EADT.
